Access management method, user equipment, satellite and communication system

Abstract

The invention provides an access management method, user equipment, a satellite and a communication system. The access management method comprises the following steps: selecting a first satellite from a plurality of satellites according to a first broadcast message sent by each satellite in the plurality of satellites; establishing an RRC connection with the first satellite; and releasing or pausing the RRC connection according to first indication information which is sent by the first satellite and is used for releasing or pausing the RRC connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to an access management method, user equipment, satellite, and communication system. Background Technology

[0002] In the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) R19 phase, the working mode in which the service link and power supply link of a satellite do not coexist in the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario was studied.

[0003] In practical applications, the deployment of gateway stations is limited by many factors, such as geographical environment and policy restrictions, which may prevent the deployment of gateway stations. Therefore, the power supply link cannot be guaranteed to be available at all times. In this case, the satellite can first store the terminal data and then forward it to the ground network when the power supply link is available. This meets the data transmission needs of IoT (Internet of Things) devices in situations where satellite coverage is discontinuous and gateway station deployment is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors noted that in related technologies, satellites supporting store-and-forward capabilities switch between store-and-forward (S&F) mode and normal mode depending on the presence of a feed link. However, due to the high mobility of low-Earth orbit satellites, their operating modes change frequently, making it difficult for user equipment to adjust its access strategy in a timely manner to match the satellite's current operating mode.

[0005] Accordingly, this disclosure provides an access management method that enables user equipment to flexibly select satellites, thereby improving network deployment efficiency and service capabilities.

[0006] In a first aspect of this disclosure, an access management method is provided, executed by a user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode, comprising: selecting a first satellite from the plurality of satellites according to a first broadcast message sent by each of the satellites; establishing a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection with the first satellite; and releasing or suspending the RRC connection according to a first indication information sent by the first satellite for releasing or suspending the RRC connection.

[0007] In some embodiments, establishing an RRC connection with the first satellite includes: sending an RRC connection request to the first satellite, wherein the RRC connection request includes an indication to request a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode; and receiving an RRC connection establishment message sent by the first satellite, wherein the RRC connection establishment message includes time interval information for receiving the list of satellite identifiers.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first broadcast message includes at least one of the following: operating mode information of each satellite currently in store-and-forward mode, operating time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode, and access indication information allowing user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode to access.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first broadcast message may also include the satellite identifier of each satellite.

[0010] In some embodiments, when an RRC connection is established with the first satellite, data transmission is performed with the first satellite during the working time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode.

[0011] In some embodiments, a second indication message for establishing or restarting the RRC connection is received from a second satellite, wherein the second indication message includes a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode; and a target satellite is selected based on the list of satellite identifiers.

[0012] In some embodiments, data is transmitted with the target satellite.

[0013] In some embodiments, based on a second broadcast message sent by the first satellite, a third satellite that is currently allowed for access by the user equipment and whose current operating mode is store-and-forward mode is reselected; an RRC connection recovery request is sent to the third satellite, wherein the RRC connection recovery request includes the satellite identifier of the first satellite; an RRC connection recovery message is received from the third satellite; and a satellite for access is selected based on the updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode included in the RRC connection recovery message.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second broadcast message includes at least one of the following: the operating mode information of the first satellite currently in normal mode, the operating time corresponding to the normal mode, and the access indication information that prohibits access by user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second broadcast message may also include the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

[0016] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a user equipment is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the access management method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0017] In a third aspect of this disclosure, an access management method is provided, executed by a first satellite, comprising: if the current operating mode is store-and-forward mode, sending a first broadcast message at a predetermined period, the first broadcast message including at least one of the following: operating mode information of the first satellite currently in store-and-forward mode, operating time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode, and access indication allowing user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode to access; establishing an RRC connection with the user equipment; performing data transmission with the user equipment during the operating time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode; and sending a first indication message to the user equipment for releasing or suspending the RRC connection.

[0018] In some embodiments, establishing an RRC connection with the user equipment includes: receiving an RRC connection request sent by the user equipment, wherein the RRC connection request includes an indication requesting a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode; and sending an RRC connection establishment message to the user equipment, wherein the RRC connection establishment message includes time interval information for receiving the list of satellite identifiers.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first broadcast message may also include the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

[0020] In some embodiments, when a gateway station can be connected, a request message is sent to a core network element requesting a list of satellite identifiers for satellites in store-and-forward mode, so that the user equipment can use the list of satellite identifiers to select a satellite for access.

[0021] In some embodiments, if the current operating mode is normal mode, a second broadcast message is sent at a predetermined period. The second broadcast message includes the operating mode information of the first satellite currently in normal mode, the operating time corresponding to the normal mode, and access indication information prohibiting user equipment that supports store-and-forward mode from accessing, so that the user equipment can reselect a third satellite that currently allows the user equipment to access and whose current operating mode is store-and-forward mode. According to the context retrieval request sent by the third satellite, the context retrieval result of the user equipment is sent to the third satellite, so that the third satellite sends the updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode to the user equipment.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second broadcast message may also include the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

[0023] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a first satellite is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the access management method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0024] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a user equipment as described in any of the preceding embodiments; a first satellite as described in any of the preceding embodiments; a core network element configured to send a request information sent by the first satellite requesting a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode to a second satellite providing coverage to the user equipment during a time interval in which the satellite identifier list is received; and a second satellite configured to send second indication information to the user equipment for establishing or restarting an RRC connection, wherein the second indication information includes a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0025] In some embodiments, the system further includes: a third satellite configured to receive an RRC connection recovery request sent by the user equipment, send a context retrieval request of the user equipment to the first satellite according to the satellite identifier of the first satellite included in the RRC connection recovery request, receive the context retrieval result of the user equipment sent by the first satellite, obtain an updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode from the core network element, and send an RRC connection recovery message to the user equipment, wherein the RRC connection recovery message includes the updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0026] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0027] In a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0028] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the satellite operating modes in existing technologies;

[0031] Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first satellite according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of multi-satellite data transmission according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of multi-satellite data transmission according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0044] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0045] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0046] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0047] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0048] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0049] It should be noted that the technical terms used in this disclosure are explained as follows:

[0050] Service link: The link between user equipment and satellite, mainly used for user equipment access.

[0051] Feeder link: The link between the gateway station and the satellite, mainly used for communication between the satellite and the ground network.

[0052] IoT devices: Various devices that are connected to the Internet and equipped with various sensors and actuators, and are capable of collecting, exchanging, processing and performing operations.

[0053] Store-and-forward mode: This is a working mode in which the satellite first stores terminal and network-related data, and then forwards the data when the service link or feeder link exists.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, at time T1, only the service link is available on the satellite, and IoT devices cannot obtain data from the ground network. Considering the high latency tolerance of IoT devices, the satellite can store the terminal data first and then forward it to the ground network when a power supply link becomes available. This meets the data transmission needs of IoT devices under conditions of discontinuous satellite coverage and limited gateway station deployment. At time T2, the satellite moves to a location where a power supply link is available, and the satellite transmits the stored data to the ground network through the gateway station.

[0055] Depend on Figure 1It is known that the satellite operates in store-and-forward mode at time T1 and in normal mode at time T2. In normal mode, it can transmit and receive data stored in store-and-forward mode, and also simultaneously support data transmission from ordinary NTN (Non-terrestrial Network) terminals. Therefore, the satellite has multiple operating modes and switches between store-and-forward and normal modes depending on its location. However, due to the high mobility of low-Earth orbit satellites, their operating modes change frequently, causing user equipment to be unable to adjust its access strategy in a timely manner to match the satellite's current operating mode.

[0056] Accordingly, this disclosure provides an access management method that enables user equipment to flexibly select satellites, thereby improving network deployment efficiency and service capabilities.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following access management method is performed by a user equipment (UE) that supports store-and-forward mode, such as an IoT device. The access management method includes steps 21-23.

[0058] In step 21, a first satellite is selected from the multiple satellites based on the first broadcast message sent by each of the multiple satellites.

[0059] It should be noted that the first satellite selected is one that currently allows user devices to access the satellite and is currently operating in store-and-forward mode.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first broadcast message includes at least one of the following: operating mode information of each satellite currently in store-and-forward mode, operating time corresponding to store-and-forward mode, and access indication information allowing user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode to access.

[0061] It should be noted that the satellite's operating modes include the following: normal mode when both the service link and the feeder link are present, and store-and-forward mode when only the service link is present. Furthermore, the times corresponding to the above operating modes indicate the specific time when a user equipment accesses a satellite in store-and-forward mode or a satellite in normal mode.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first broadcast message may also include the satellite identifier for each satellite.

[0063] In step 22, an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection is established with the first satellite.

[0064] In some embodiments, the steps of establishing an RRC connection with the first satellite include the following.

[0065] 1) Send an RRC connection request to the first satellite, wherein the RRC connection request includes an indication of a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0066] 2) Receive the RRC connection establishment message sent by the first satellite, wherein the RRC connection establishment message includes time interval information for receiving the satellite identifier list.

[0067] 3) Send an RRC connection establishment complete message to the first satellite.

[0068] In some embodiments, when an RRC connection is established with the first satellite, data transmission is performed with the first satellite during the working time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode, so that the first satellite stores the data sent by the user equipment.

[0069] In step 23, the RRC connection is released or suspended according to the first instruction information sent by the first satellite for releasing or suspending the RRC connection.

[0070] In the access management method provided in the above embodiments of this disclosure, user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode selects a satellite currently allowing the user equipment to access and whose current working mode is store-and-forward mode according to the broadcast message sent by the satellite and establishes an RRC connection, thereby enabling user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode to flexibly select and access satellites.

[0071] In some embodiments, a second indication message for establishing or restarting an RRC connection is received from a second satellite. This second indication message includes a list of satellite identifiers for satellites in store-and-forward mode. A target satellite is then selected based on this list, and data transmission is performed with the target satellite. This allows for timely selection of a new satellite when the satellite mode changes.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following access management method is performed by a user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode, including steps 31-34.

[0073] In step 31, based on the second broadcast message sent by the first satellite, a third satellite that currently allows user devices to access the network and whose current operating mode is store-and-forward mode is selected.

[0074] It should be noted that the first satellite sends the second broadcast message while it is in normal mode and user equipment access is prohibited in store-and-forward mode.

[0075] In some embodiments, the second broadcast message includes at least one of the following: the operating mode information of the first satellite currently in normal mode, the operating time corresponding to the normal mode, and the access instruction information prohibiting user equipment that supports store-and-forward mode from accessing the satellite.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second broadcast message may also include the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

[0077] In step 32, an RRC connection restoration request is sent to the third satellite, wherein the RRC connection restoration request includes the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

[0078] In step 33, the RRC connection restoration message sent by the third satellite is received.

[0079] In step 34, the satellite for access is selected based on the updated list of satellite identifiers in store-and-forward mode included in the RRC connection recovery message.

[0080] It should be noted that when the satellite moves to an area where it can connect to a gateway station, its operating mode switches to normal mode. User equipment supporting store-and-forward mode and ordinary NTN user equipment can access the satellite. However, as the load increases, the satellite can choose to block network access for user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode to implement access control. In this situation, user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode triggers a selection process for a new satellite to enable data transmission.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, user equipment 40 can be represented in the form of a general computing device. User equipment 40 includes a memory 41, a processor 42, and a bus 43 connecting different system components.

[0083] The memory 41 may include, for example, system memory, non-volatile storage media, etc. System memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs. System memory may include volatile storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Non-volatile storage media may store, for example, instructions for a corresponding embodiment of at least one access management method being executed. Non-volatile storage media include, but are not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, flash memory, etc.

[0084] Processor 42 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete hardware components such as discrete gates or transistors. Accordingly, each module, such as the acquisition module, calculation module, and adjustment module, can be implemented by executing instructions in the central processing unit (CPU) memory to perform the corresponding steps, or by implementing dedicated circuitry to perform the corresponding steps.

[0085] For example, processor 42 is configured for memory-based instruction execution implementation such as Figure 2 or Figure 3 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0086] Bus 43 can use any of the various bus architectures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, the Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0087] The user equipment 40's interfaces 44, 45, and 46, as well as the memory 41 and processor 42, can be connected via bus 43. Input / output interface 44 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as monitors, mice, and keyboards. Network interface 45 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. Storage interface 46 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as floppy disks, USB flash drives, and SD cards.

[0088] Various aspects of this disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0089] These computer-readable program instructions are provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable device to produce a machine, such that execution of the instructions by the processor produces means for implementing the functions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0090] These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These instructions cause a computer to work in a particular manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions that implement the functions specified in one or more boxes in a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0091] This disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0092] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement... Figure 2 or Figure 3 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0093] This disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement as follows: Figure 2 or Figure 3 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0094] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following access management method is performed by a first satellite, including steps 51-54.

[0095] In step 51, if the current operating mode is store-and-forward mode, a first broadcast message is sent at a predetermined period.

[0096] It should be noted that the first broadcast message includes at least one of the following: the operating mode information of the first satellite currently in store-and-forward mode, the operating time corresponding to store-and-forward mode, and an access instruction allowing user equipment that supports store-and-forward mode to access.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first broadcast message may also include the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

[0098] In step 52, an RRC connection is established with the user equipment.

[0099] In some embodiments, the steps of establishing an RRC connection with a user equipment include the following.

[0100] 1) Receive an RRC connection request sent by the user equipment, wherein the RRC connection request includes an indication of a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0101] 2) Send an RRC connection establishment message to the user equipment, wherein the RRC connection establishment message includes time interval information for receiving the satellite identifier list.

[0102] In step 53, data transmission is performed with the user equipment during the working time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode.

[0103] In step 54, a first indication message for releasing or suspending the RRC connection is sent to the user equipment.

[0104] In some embodiments, when a gateway station can be connected, a request message is sent to the core network element requesting a list of satellite identifiers for satellites in store-and-forward mode, so that the user equipment can use the list of satellite identifiers to select a satellite for access.

[0105] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following access management method is performed by a first satellite, including steps 61-62.

[0106] In step 61, if the current operating mode is normal mode, a second broadcast message is sent at a predetermined period so that the user equipment can reselect the third satellite that currently allows the user equipment to access and whose current operating mode is store-and-forward mode.

[0107] In some embodiments, the second broadcast message includes information about the operating mode of the first satellite, the operating time corresponding to the normal mode, and access indication information prohibiting user equipment that supports store-and-forward mode from accessing the satellite.

[0108] In some embodiments, the second broadcast message may also include the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

[0109] In step 62, based on the context retrieval request sent by the third satellite, the context retrieval result of the user equipment is sent to the third satellite so that the third satellite can send the updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode to the user equipment.

[0110] It should be noted that when the satellite moves to an area where it can connect to a gateway station, its operating mode switches to normal mode. User equipment supporting store-and-forward mode and ordinary NTN user equipment can access the satellite. However, as the load increases, the satellite can choose to block network access for user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode to implement access control. In this situation, user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode triggers a selection process for a new satellite to enable data transmission.

[0111] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first satellite according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, the first satellite 70 includes a memory 71, a processor 72, a bus 73, an input / output interface 44, a network interface 45, and a storage interface 46.

[0112] Figure 7 and Figure 4 The difference is that, in Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, processor 72 is configured to implement memory-based instruction execution as follows: Figure 5 or Figure 6 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0113] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement... Figure 5 or Figure 6 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0114] This disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement as follows: Figure 5 or Figure 6 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0115] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8 As shown, the communication system includes user equipment 81, a first satellite 82, a second satellite 83, and core network elements 84. User equipment 81 is... Figure 4 In any embodiment of the user equipment, the first satellite 82 is Figure 7 The first satellite involved in any of the embodiments.

[0116] For example, core network element 84 includes MME (Mobility Management Entity).

[0117] The core network element 84 is configured to send a satellite identifier list to a second satellite 83 that provides coverage to user equipment 81 during the time interval in which the satellite identifier list is received, based on a request for a satellite identifier list of satellites in store-and-forward mode sent by the first satellite 82.

[0118] The second satellite 83 is configured to send a second indication message to the user equipment 81 for establishing or restarting an RRC connection, wherein the second indication message includes a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0119] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 and Figure 8 The difference is that, in Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the communication system also includes a third satellite 85.

[0120] The third satellite 85 is configured to receive an RRC connection restoration request sent by the user equipment 81, send a context retrieval request for the user equipment to the first satellite 82 based on the satellite identifier of the first satellite included in the RRC connection restoration request, receive the context retrieval result of the user equipment sent by the first satellite 82, obtain the updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode from the core network element 84, and send an RRC connection restoration message to the user equipment 81, the RRC connection restoration message including the updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0121] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] In step 101, if the satellite's current operating mode is store-and-forward mode, a first broadcast message is sent at a predetermined period.

[0123] For example, the first broadcast message includes at least one of the following: the satellite's current operating mode information (store-and-forward mode), the operating time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode, and an access instruction allowing user equipment that supports store-and-forward mode to access the satellite.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first broadcast message may also include the satellite identifier of the satellite.

[0125] In step 102, the user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode selects the first satellite among the multiple satellites that currently allows the user equipment to access and whose current operating mode is store-and-forward mode, based on the first broadcast message sent by each of the multiple satellites.

[0126] In step 103, the user equipment sends an RRC connection request to the first satellite, wherein the RRC connection request includes an indication of requesting a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0127] In step 104, after receiving the RRC connection request, the first satellite sends an RRC connection establishment message (RRCConnectionSetup) to the user equipment. The RRC connection establishment message includes time interval information for receiving the satellite identifier list of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0128] In step 105, after receiving the RRC connection establishment message, the user equipment sends an RRC connection establishment completion message (RRCConnectionSetupComplete) to the first satellite.

[0129] In step 106, the user equipment performs data transmission with the first satellite during the working time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode.

[0130] In step 107, the first satellite stores the data transmitted by the user equipment.

[0131] In step 108, after data transmission is completed within the working time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode, the first satellite sends a first indication message to the user equipment for releasing or suspending the RRC connection, so as to release or suspend the RRC connection.

[0132] In step 109, if the first satellite moves to a location where it can connect to the gateway station, the first satellite sends a request for a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode to a core network element (e.g., MME) via the feed link.

[0133] In step 1010, the core network element sends the satellite identifier list to the second satellite that provides coverage to the user equipment during the time interval in which the satellite identifier list is received, based on the request information sent by the first satellite requesting the satellite identifier list of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0134] In step 1011, the second satellite sends a second indication message to the user equipment for establishing or restarting the RRC connection, wherein the second indication message includes a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0135] In step 1012, the user equipment selects a target satellite based on the list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode included in the second instruction information.

[0136] For example, the target satellite is the second satellite.

[0137] In step 1013, the user equipment transmits data with the target satellite.

[0138] If the target satellite is a second satellite, the user equipment will transmit data with the second satellite.

[0139] In step 1014, the second satellite stores the data transmitted by the user equipment.

[0140] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an access management method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] It should be noted that when the first satellite moves to an area where it can connect to the gateway station, its operating mode switches to normal mode. In this case, both user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode and ordinary NTN user equipment can access the first satellite. However, as the load increases, the first satellite can choose to prohibit user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode from accessing the network to achieve access control.

[0142] In step 111, the first satellite moves to an area where it can connect to the gateway station, switches its operating mode to normal mode, and sends a second broadcast message to the user equipment.

[0143] In some embodiments, the second broadcast message includes at least one of the following: the operating mode information of the first satellite currently in normal mode, the operating time corresponding to the normal mode, and the access instruction information prohibiting user equipment that supports store-and-forward mode from accessing the satellite.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second broadcast message may also include the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

[0145] In step 112, the user equipment reselects a third satellite that is currently allowed to access and whose current operating mode is store-and-forward mode, based on the second broadcast message sent by the first satellite.

[0146] In step 113, the user equipment sends an RRC connection restoration request to the third satellite, wherein the RRC connection restoration request includes the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

[0147] In step 114, the third satellite sends a context retrieval request for the user equipment to the first satellite.

[0148] In step 115, the first satellite sends the contextual retrieval results of the user equipment to the third satellite.

[0149] In step 116, the third satellite obtains the updated list of satellite identifiers for satellites in store-and-forward mode from the core network element.

[0150] In step 117, the third satellite sends an RRC connection restoration message to the user equipment, wherein the RRC connection restoration message includes the updated list of satellite identifiers of the satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0151] In step 118, the user equipment selects the target satellite for access based on the updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

[0152] For example, the target satellite is the third satellite.

[0153] In step 119, the user equipment enters the RRC connected state by restarting the SRB (Signalling Radio Bearer) and DRB (Data Radio Bearer).

[0154] In step 1110, the user equipment sends an RRC connection restoration complete message to the target satellite.

[0155] For example, if the target satellite is a third satellite, the user equipment sends an RRC connection restoration complete message to the third satellite.

[0156] The following specific examples illustrate this disclosure.

[0157] Example 1

[0158] UE1 is an S&F terminal, meaning UE1 is a terminal that supports store-and-forward mode. It is covered by satellite A during the T1-T2 time period and by satellite B during the T3-T4 time period. Figure 12 As shown.

[0159] The satellite broadcast messages are shown in Table 1.

[0160] Satellite A Satellite B Satellite ID A B Work mode S&F S&F Working hours T1 to T2 T3 to T4

[0161] Table 1

[0162] During the time period T1-T2, UE1 receives a broadcast message from satellite A, and satellite A's S&F mode terminal access permission indicator is set to allowed. UE1 selects satellite A for access and sends an RRC connection request message (RRCConnectionRequest), including an indication to request the S&F mode satellite ID list. After receiving the RRC connection request message, satellite A sends an RRC connection setup message (RRCConnectionSetup) to UE1, which contains the time interval T3 to T4 for receiving the S&F mode satellite ID list. After receiving the RRC connection setup message, UE1 sends an RRC connection setup complete message (RRCConnectionSetupComplete). After data transmission is completed within the corresponding working time of this S&F mode, satellite A sends a release / pause RRC connection message to UE1.

[0163] Satellite A moves to a location where it can connect to the gateway station and requests a list of S&F mode satellite IDs serving UE1 from the MME network element via the feeder link. The MME network element feeds back the list of S&F mode satellite IDs serving UE1 to satellite B, which can provide service to UE1 during the time period T3 to T4. Satellite B moves to the vicinity of UE1, initiates RRC connection establishment / restart for UE1, and sends the S&F mode satellite ID list. UE1 transmits and receives data according to the S&F mode satellite ID list.

[0164] Example 2

[0165] like Figure 13 As shown, satellite C moves to an area where it can connect to the gateway station, switches its operating mode to normal mode, and chooses to disable S&F terminals from accessing the network to reduce load.

[0166] Based on the broadcast message sent by satellite C, if satellite C sets the S&F mode terminal access permission indication to prohibited, UE2 searches for nearby satellite D, which allows S&F mode terminal access, as the target satellite and sends an RRC connection restoration request message to it. This message contains the satellite ID of satellite C. Satellite D sends a UE context retrieval request to satellite C, and satellite C sends a UE context retrieval feedback to satellite D. Satellite D requests an updated list of S&F mode satellite IDs from the core network elements. Satellite D sends an RRC connection restoration message to UE2, which contains the updated list of S&F mode satellite IDs, so that UE2 can select a satellite for access.

[0167] By implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, user equipment can flexibly select satellites when the satellite's operating mode changes, thereby improving the efficiency of network deployment and service capabilities.

[0168] In some embodiments, the functional units described above may be implemented as general-purpose processors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any suitable combination thereof for performing the functions described herein.

[0169] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0170] The description in this disclosure is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to its forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical application of this disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this disclosure and to design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. An access management method, executed by a user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode, comprising: Select a first satellite from the plurality of satellites based on a first broadcast message sent by each of the multiple satellites; Establish a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection with the first satellite; The RRC connection is released or suspended based on the first indication information sent by the first satellite for releasing or suspending the RRC connection.

2. The access management method according to claim 1, wherein, Establishing an RRC connection with the first satellite includes: Send an RRC connection request to the first satellite, wherein the RRC connection request includes an indication to request a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode; Receive an RRC connection establishment message sent by the first satellite, wherein the RRC connection establishment message includes time interval information for receiving the satellite identifier list.

3. The access management method according to claim 1, wherein, The first broadcast message includes at least one of the following: the operating mode information of each satellite currently in store-and-forward mode, the operating time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode, and the access indication information that allows user equipment supporting store-and-forward mode to access.

4. The access management method according to claim 3, wherein, The first broadcast message also includes the satellite identifier for each satellite.

5. The access management method according to claim 1 further includes: When an RRC connection is established with the first satellite, data transmission is performed with the first satellite during the working time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode.

6. The access management method according to claim 1 further includes: Receive second indication information sent by a second satellite for establishing or restarting the RRC connection, wherein the second indication information includes a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode; Select the target satellite from the list of satellite identifiers.

7. The access management method according to claim 6 further includes: Data is transmitted with the target satellite.

8. The access management method according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising: Based on the second broadcast message sent by the first satellite, a third satellite that is currently allowed to access the user equipment and whose current operating mode is store-and-forward mode is selected again; Send an RRC connection restoration request to the third satellite, wherein the RRC connection restoration request includes the satellite identifier of the first satellite; Receive the RRC connection restoration message sent by the third satellite; Based on the updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode included in the RRC connection recovery message, select the satellite for access.

9. The access management method according to claim 8, wherein, The second broadcast message includes at least one of the following: the operating mode information of the first satellite currently in normal mode, the operating time corresponding to the normal mode, and the access instruction information prohibiting user equipment that supports store-and-forward mode from accessing the satellite.

10. The access management method according to claim 9, wherein, The second broadcast message also includes the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

11. A user equipment, comprising: Memory; A processor, coupled to a memory, is configured to implement the access management method as described in any one of claims 1-10 based on the memory-stored instruction execution.

12. An access management method, executed by a first satellite, comprising: If the current operating mode is store-and-forward mode, a first broadcast message is sent at a predetermined period. The first broadcast message includes at least one of the following: the operating mode information of the first satellite in store-and-forward mode, the operating time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode, and an access indication that allows user equipment that supports store-and-forward mode to access. Establish an RRC connection with the user equipment; Data transmission is performed with the user equipment during the working time corresponding to the store-and-forward mode; Send a first indication message to the user equipment for releasing or suspending the RRC connection.

13. The access management method according to claim 12, wherein, Establishing an RRC connection with the user equipment includes: Receive an RRC connection request sent by the user equipment, wherein the RRC connection request includes an indication requesting a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode; Send an RRC connection establishment message to the user equipment, wherein the RRC connection establishment message includes time interval information for receiving the satellite identifier list.

14. The access management method according to claim 12, wherein, The first broadcast message also includes the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

15. The access management method according to claim 12, further comprising: When a gateway station is available, a request for a list of satellite identifiers for satellites in store-and-forward mode is sent to the core network element so that the user equipment can use the list of satellite identifiers to select a satellite for access.

16. The access management method according to any one of claims 12-15, further comprising: If the current working mode is normal mode, a second broadcast message is sent at a predetermined period. The second broadcast message includes the working mode information of the first satellite in normal mode, the working time corresponding to the normal mode, and the access indication information that prohibits user equipment that supports store-and-forward mode from accessing, so that the user equipment can reselect the third satellite that currently allows the user equipment to access and whose current working mode is store-and-forward mode. Based on the context retrieval request sent by the third satellite, the context retrieval result of the user equipment is sent to the third satellite, so that the third satellite sends the updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode to the user equipment.

17. The access management method according to claim 16, wherein, The second broadcast message also includes the satellite identifier of the first satellite.

18. A first satellite, comprising: Memory; A processor, coupled to a memory, is configured to implement the access management method as described in any one of claims 12-17 based on memory-stored instruction execution.

19. A communication system, comprising: The user equipment as described in claim 11; The first satellite as described in claim 18; The core network element is configured to send the satellite identifier list to the second satellite that provides coverage to the user equipment during the time interval of receiving the satellite identifier list, based on the request information sent by the first satellite requesting the satellite identifier list of satellites in store-and-forward mode; The second satellite is configured to send a second indication message to the user equipment for establishing or restarting an RRC connection, wherein the second indication message includes a list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

20. The communication system according to claim 19, further comprising: The third satellite is configured to receive an RRC connection recovery request sent by the user equipment, send a context retrieval request of the user equipment to the first satellite according to the satellite identifier of the first satellite included in the RRC connection recovery request, receive the context retrieval result of the user equipment sent by the first satellite, obtain an updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode from the core network element, and send an RRC connection recovery message to the user equipment, wherein the RRC connection recovery message includes the updated list of satellite identifiers of satellites in store-and-forward mode.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the access management method as described in any one of claims 1-10 and 12-17.

22. A computer program product comprising computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the access management method as described in any one of claims 1-10, 12-17.

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